Poland’s prime minister coming to visit

The prime minister of Poland will arrive in Manila for a two-day official visit beginning on Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The DFA Office of European Affairs confirmed the arrival of Prime Minister Marek Belka on Wednesday afternoon and he will be joined by 30 members of his delegation.

The DFA said Belka’s visit is the first by a Polish head of state. The Polish leader’s visit is timely being a new member of the European Union and one of the biggest economies in Europe.

Protocol chief Lingling Lacanlale disclosed to The STAR that Belka will meet President Arroyo at Malacañang on Wednesday to discuss the bilateral relations between Poland and the Philippines. The talking points also include defense and maritime cooperation.

"That needs to be explored. Part of the delegation that will accompany Prime Minister Belka are representatives from their defense ministry and businessmen," the DFA source said. — Pia Lee-Brago